Deck pricing and advice

[mommy2myloves]

Originally Posted by ira

We just got a quote from Lowe's for a 16x16 composite deck - $20,000 including materials and labor. I think they're nuts. Or maybe I am???

Wow, they are nuts!!! We just got our deck done by American Pride Home Improvements for much less and it was bigger. Ours is 16x20 and we had it built for $15,000. Out of all the qoutes we received, this was the only company that gave us a list of options that let me choose the price range. They were great and we are very happy. I wouldn't go to lowes or home depot for any work. You should always use an expereinced contractor and always check their license with the state!!

[sj08054]

Deck pricing will varies depending on materials. A lot of the cost goes into things that you don't see. I suggest Timbertech over Trex. I did a 2 level deck last year 14x25(upper) 20x12(lower) and the materials alone was about $13K. The deck board was actually the cheapest since it was only $3.17 ft. The railing worked out to be about $35 ft. Hidden fastener was over $800. I saved about $15K in doing the deck myself.

$25/ft is pretty much the going rate for trex deck. Just make sure you don't use Trex or composite stuff in shaded yard. You will end up with mold if you don't wash it frequently.